Wisdom

Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me asking what happened to the weekly Coach Bacevich posts. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories that I received over the last month about how you look forward to the motivational words every Monday, how you find bits of relevant information and forward it along to your children, friends, grandchildren etc. The site had some technical difficulties that took longer to fix than I expected. We did not give up though, and we are back!! Have a great holiday Season. I hope you get as much joy and guidance from these Handouts as I do. May the good Lord shower you with his blessings! Mike Bacevich

The Art of Being Gracious

Everyone would like to be a gracious person. Graciousness is a precious attribute of most of the things we yearn for – admiration, respect, love and happiness. It is a mistake to think that one is born with this attribute. It is an acquired trait, as readily acquired as good manners, which constitute a very important part of it. But unlike most arts, one does not need to have a special talent for it. Only the sincere desire to be gracious – plus thoughtfulness and practice – are required.

The key to the art is the Golden Rule – applied so consistently that it becomes natural. It is a matter of treating others the way you would like to be treated – not because it is the diplomatic thing to do but because you want to treat them that way.

The art of being gracious is developed by doing kind things – and sometimes difficult things – in the kindest way, until such behavior becomes characteristic of you. And how rewarding such a grace can be! Wordsworth declared that such little, shameless, unremembered acts of kindness add up to the best portion of a good man’s life.

For a .pdf file of this original Coach Bacevich Handout, click here: Handout #357: The Art of Being Gracious. Coach Bacevich gave binders of his motivational handouts to thousands of people. You should print this original Coach Bacevich Handout together with the others in each weekly post and start your binder of these motivational handouts. Then read and browse the material as you desire. Soon you will have a treasure of information at your fingertips whenever you need a little inspiration and motivation from the Coach as you pursue your aspirations!

Many of Coach Bacevich’s Handouts were written for his football players as the audience. This is an example of good information written for his football players but so very applicable in all of life, sports and otherwise. When you see the phrase “football player” or “athlete”, substitute that phrase with whatever fits your situation, such as Employee, Team Member, Hockey Player, Basketball Player, etc.

The raising of children, and their training, is a serious obligation which the conscientious parent cannot delegate to others. It is part of his/her job to see that the children become useful members of society – and that is a personal responsibility.

Such parents as mine, for instance, had no inhibitions about “cramping a child’s style” or obliterating his personality. They realized, as sensible people, that the job of training a child is one that takes strength of purpose and deep love with a long-range view – not the kind that coddles and indulges, and allows a child to imagine that the world is going to be his oyster . . . . The experience of my whole life tells me that successful dealings between men are influenced for good or ill by home backgrounds.

It seems to me that the American family used to be more closely knit; though it was made up of individuals, there was a unity, a common interest. And this gave a strong feeling of security to each member of the family unit. I do not say that this situation does not exist today – but I do say, and I have years of observation to prove it – that the average parent today, in his desire to make his children happy and give them everything they want, is less apt to instill in them those qualities of character that grow out of wholesome self-denial.

Many people assume that this is an outmoded point of view, belonging to a slower, simpler way of life. Quite the contrary; the speed and complexity of present day living require of us, if anything, greater discipline and fortitude, to enable us to see and do what is important.

If we are to keep America secure, we must look to the preservation of the American family. We must concern ourselves deeply, and with wise love, about our children. We must know where they are, what they are doing, what they are learning. We must take a hand in teaching them, day by day, not controlling, but guiding. They are the new citizens who will receive the torch from our hands and carry it on.

America. If it is sound and right, we need to have no fears for America. And there, I think, is the job which lies at hand for everyone, and which no one can side-step without danger to our American way of life.

— J.C. Penney

******************************************************************

Glen Cunningham, one-time mile record holder – “My legs are the weakest part of me! I run more from the hips up then from the hips down. This is how it has to be with anybody – you can go where your heart takes you, not your legs. The handicap can become a great blessing if you run like a man, not a jackrabbit.

For a .pdf file of this original Coach Bacevich Handout, click here: Handout #352: The Family in America. Coach Bacevich gave binders of his motivational handouts to thousands of people. You should print this original Coach Bacevich Handout together with the others in each weekly post and start your binder of these motivational handouts. Then read and browse the material as you desire. Soon you will have a treasure of information at your fingertips whenever you need a little inspiration and motivation from the Coach as you pursue your aspirations!

Many of Coach Bacevich’s Handouts were written for his football players as the audience. This is an example of good information written for his football players but so very applicable in all of life, sports and otherwise. When you see the phrase “football player” or “athlete”, substitute that phrase with whatever fits your situation, such as Employee, Team Member, Hockey Player, Basketball Player, etc.

was a state legislator, governor, minister to France, Secretary of State, Vice-President, and President of the U.S.;

created the public school system in his state;

became president of a university;

established the U.S. Military Academy, designed uniforms;

wrote rules of parliamentary procedure for the Senate;

fought for the government that made the U.S. a democratic republic, not one ruled by aristocracy; and

designed, built his house, was father of six children.

Yet this man, THOMAS JEFFERSON, had in each of his days the same 24 hours we have in each of ours.

While we can’t plan to match Jefferson’s accomplishments, we do know there are ways of saving some of those 1,440 brand new minutes given us each day. “Minute Misers” suggest studying our daily routine, questioning the use of our time.

For instance, we can save minutes by getting up when we open our eyes instead of lingering in bed. Can we combine some of our morning routines? Do we plan each day’s work? Activities? Do we seek to do “extra”? Do we know what we want to accomplish?

Do we always have something to do when we get unexpected spare minutes, as when we are waiting for someone?

The experts tell us to chart our use of time for a week. Those who have done this are surprised at the minutes they save. We might be able to join the “minute misers” and add profitable hours to each day.

**WHERE WE STAND IS NOT HALF AS IMPORTANT AS THE DIRECTION WE ARE MOVING**

For a .pdf file of this original Coach Bacevich Handout, click here: Handout #351: Are You a Minute Miser???. Coach Bacevich gave binders of his motivational handouts to thousands of people. You should print this original Coach Bacevich Handout together with the others in each weekly post and start your binder of these motivational handouts. Then read and browse the material as you desire. Soon you will have a treasure of information at your fingertips whenever you need a little inspiration and motivation from the Coach as you pursue your aspirations!

Many of Coach Bacevich’s Handouts were written for his football players as the audience. This is an example of good information written for his football players but so very applicable in all of life, sports and otherwise. When you see the phrase “football player” or “athlete”, substitute that phrase with whatever fits your situation, such as Employee, Team Member, Hockey Player, Basketball Player, etc.

What can we use when we measure a man? What can we use for the test? It isn’t a yardstick, it isn’t a scale, for size does not make him the best.

It isn’t the kind of job that he holds, nor the money he has in the bank, nor his college degrees, nor the clothes that he wears, nor the titles, position, nor rank.

The measure that counts, that makes him a MAN, is the way that he wears with his friends; It’s the kindness he shows, the pleasures he shares, And the unselfish service he lends.

It’s his everyday living, the interest he takes, in his day-to-day dealings with others; His desire to help, his love of mankind, that sets him apart from his brothers.

He doesn’t seek honors, he doesn’t seek fame. His friendliness isn’t a plan; just the way that he lives, passes all of the tests, that we use when we measure a MAN.

— John Waters

**********************************************************

Life’s Weaving

My life is but a weaving between my God and me. I may not choose the colors. He knows what they should be. For he can view the pattern upon the upper side, while I can see it only, on this, the under side.

Sometimes he weaves in sorrow, which seems so strange to me. But I will trust His judgment and work on faithfully. Tis He who fills the shuttle. He knows just what is best. So I will weave in earnest and leave with Him the rest.

At least when life in ended, with Him I shall abide. Then I view the pattern upon the upper side. Then I shall know the reason why pain, with joy entwined, was woven in the fabric of life that God-Designed. — Unknown

**********************************************************

Someone Said It — Hell begins on the day when God grants us a clear vision of all that we might have achieved, of all the gifts which we have wasted, of all that we might have done which we did not do.

For a .pdf file of this original Coach Bacevich Handout, click here: Handout #347: How Do You Measure a Man?. Coach Bacevich gave binders of his motivational handouts to thousands of people. You should print this original Coach Bacevich Handout together with the others in each weekly post and start your binder of these motivational handouts. Then read and browse the material as you desire. Soon you will have a treasure of information at your fingertips whenever you need a little inspiration and motivation from the Coach as you pursue your aspirations!

Many of Coach Bacevich’s Handouts were written for his football players as the audience. This is an example of good information written for his football players but so very applicable in all of life, sports and otherwise. When you see the phrase “football player” or “athlete”, substitute that phrase with whatever fits your situation, such as Employee, Team Member, Hockey Player, Basketball Player, etc.

For a .pdf file of this original Coach Bacevich Handout, click here: Handout #343: Friends. Coach Bacevich gave binders of his motivational handouts to thousands of people. You should print this original Coach Bacevich Handout together with the others in each weekly post and start your binder of these motivational handouts. Then read and browse the material as you desire. Soon you will have a treasure of information at your fingertips whenever you need a little inspiration and motivation from the Coach as you pursue your aspirations!

Many of Coach Bacevich’s Handouts were written for his football players as the audience. This is an example of good information written for his football players but so very applicable in all of life, sports and otherwise. When you see the phrase “football player” or “athlete”, substitute that phrase with whatever fits your situation, such as Employee, Team Member, Hockey Player, Basketball Player, etc.

It is not he that enters upon any career, or starts in any race, he that runs well and perseveringly that gains the plaudits of others or the approval of his own conscience.

Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans. That the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. — William H. Murray

*****************************************************************

No horse gets anywhere till he is harnessed. No stream ever drives anything until it is confined. No life ever grows until it is focused, dedicated and DISCIPLINED.

Athletic games/contests are generally won by the boys, the athletes with great desire.

It ain’t braggin’ if you’ve done it.

Everything cometh to him that waiteth, so long as he who waiteth worketh like hell while he waiteth.

I asked of life: “What have you to offer me?” And the answer came: “What have you to give me?”

For a .pdf file of this original Coach Bacevich Handout, click here: Handout #340: 20 Ways to Avoid a Decision. Coach Bacevich gave binders of his motivational handouts to thousands of people. You should print this original Coach Bacevich Handout together with the others in each weekly post and start your binder of these motivational handouts. Then read and browse the material as you desire. Soon you will have a treasure of information at your fingertips whenever you need a little inspiration and motivation from the Coach as you pursue your aspirations!

Many of Coach Bacevich’s Handouts were written for his football players as the audience. This is an example of good information written for his football players but so very applicable in all of life, sports and otherwise. When you see the phrase “football player” or “athlete”, substitute that phrase with whatever fits your situation, such as Employee, Team Member, Hockey Player, Basketball Player, etc.

CHARACTER – To me, Character is being able to say “YES” and “NO” to the right and wrong things.

Fielding Yost, the legendary coach of the Michigan Wolverines in the early 1900s, once told his players, “No coach in America asks any man to make any sacrifice. He requests that he do the opposite – live clean, come clean, think clean – that he stop doing all the things that destroy him mentally, morally and physically and begin doing the things that make him keener, finer and more competent.” It’s not sacrifice to play football, it’s a great privilege.

It takes a young man with special qualities to play football and compete in the classroom.

Horace Greely once was quoted: Favor is a Vapor, Popularity an Accident, Riches take Wings, Those who cheer you today will curse you tomorrow, One thing endures: Character.

Vince Lombardi was quoted: “Character is the result of mental attitude. You can’t dream yourself into character. Character rather than education is man’s need and man’s greatest safeguard. I believe that character is higher than intellect, and the difference between men is certainly in energy, in invincible determination, in strong will; but leadership is in sacrifice, in self-denial, in love and fearlessness and in humility and disciplined will. This is the distinction between great and little men.”

I believe football develops character. There is no easy way to practice football. It is often the most difficult thing that a young man undertakes in his lifetime. It prepares him for the trials and struggles of life.

John Wooden once said: “Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” Each of us knows when we look into the mirror whether we’re pleased with ourselves.

George Washington many years ago stated: “I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” My experience in high school and college football has taught me that the most difficult thing for young men to do is to tell the truth, regardless of the consequences. They prefer to tell you what you want to hear and not what os the truth.

Helen Keller said it this way: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.” Silver is purified in fire and so are we. It is the most trying times that our real character is shaped and revealed. We have a unique opportunity and responsibility as coaches lead to young men into lives of responsibility and accountability.

Paul “Bear” Bryant said it this way just before his death: “We’re supposed to be living in a very sophisticated time, with sophisticated young people, all worldly and knowledgeable. How can the game of football still be important in that context?

“I’ll tell you how I feel. I feel it’s more important than ever. What else have we to anchor to? Where else can we walk out there evensame everything and compete? Look around. Maybe the football field is the only place left. Maybe we’ve already lost it everywhere else.”

Woody Hayes … “this coaching profession is so great you’ll never appreciate it until you retire. You have no idea the impact you have on players . . . ”

For a .pdf file of this original Coach Bacevich Handout, click here: Handout #338: Character . . .. Coach Bacevich gave binders of his motivational handouts to thousands of people. You should print this original Coach Bacevich Handout together with the others in each weekly post and start your binder of these motivational handouts. Then read and browse the material as you desire. Soon you will have a treasure of information at your fingertips whenever you need a little inspiration and motivation from the Coach as you pursue your aspirations!

Many of Coach Bacevich’s Handouts were written for his football players as the audience. This is an example of good information written for his football players but so very applicable in all of life, sports and otherwise. When you see the phrase “football player” or “athlete”, substitute that phrase with whatever fits your situation, such as Employee, Team Member, Hockey Player, Basketball Player, etc.

You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you have tried to do something and failed, you are vastly better off than if you tried to do nothing and succeeded. -Unknown

The path to success is never a 5 lane, no traffic, super highway. Heartbreak, setbacks, frustrations, failures, enemies . . . appear time and again to prevent you from reaching your goals. -Bobby Knight

He who has heart has hope, and he who has hope has everything. -Arabian Proverb

One of the rarest things that a man ever does is the very best he can . . . -Unknown

The load of tomorrow, added to that of yesterday, carried today, makes the strongest falter. -Sir William Osler

A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew. -The Old Man

Excuses are like belly buttons: Everybody has one. -Paul brown

Horse sense is what stops a horse from betting on people.

Ingenuity plus courage plus work equals miracles. -Rev. Bob Richards

Be a thinker, and a dreamer, but more important, be a doer. -Henry Ford

To get the true measure of a man – note how much more he does than is required of him. -Theodore Roosevelt

Time cannot be purchased, marketed or saved. It can only be spent. The secret then is to spend it wisely. -Will Rogers

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult. Seneca

If everything is going your way, you are probably heading in the wrong direction. -Unknown

If you think you are confused, consider poor Columbus. He didn’t know where he was going. When he got there, he didn’t know where he was, and when he got back he didn’t know where he had been. -Brother Juniper

Too many athletes think they can push themselves forward by patting themselves on the back. -The Old Man

There is destiny that makes us brothers, none goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own. -The Old Philosopher

For a .pdf file of this original Coach Bacevich Handout, click here: Handout #333: How Do You Measure Up? (1). Coach Bacevich gave binders of his motivational handouts to thousands of people. You should print this original Coach Bacevich Handout together with the others in each weekly post and start your binder of these motivational handouts. Then read and browse the material as you desire. Soon you will have a treasure of information at your fingertips whenever you need a little inspiration and motivation from the Coach as you pursue your aspirations!

Many of Coach Bacevich’s Handouts were written for his football players as the audience. This is an example of good information written for his football players but so very applicable in all of life, sports and otherwise. When you see the phrase “football player” or “athlete”, substitute that phrase with whatever fits your situation, such as Employee, Team Member, Hockey Player, Basketball Player, etc.

Came along this bouncing boy to dad’s delight, to my great joy. So small and cuddly, with a little cute grin, fat and chubby with a double chin.

“A ball from me”, said dad, so proud, ‘A star of the future above the crowd.”

And I sat back with a sigh of bliss, and thanked the Lord for all of this.

Momma, look at your big boy now.

He grew so fast, my cute little tike, pulled his wagon and rode hid trike, played in the dirt and scratched his knees, slammed the doors and climbed in trees.

And at times I thought, above it all, this kid will drive me up the wall!

But he came to me streaming tears about his bumps and childhood fears, and sat upon my lap to rest, laid his head upon my breast, and looking angelic as he could do, he whispered, ‘Momma – I love you.”

And I thought to myself – while I held him in my arms, I love this boy with all his charms.

Momma, look at your big boy now.

Then came the day he left for school, the ABC’s and social rule, Will he be safe and keep himself neat? Will he behave and have plenty to eat?

I will worry and frat as he leaves my side – but have faith he will grown and stay in stride. He performed his tasks each and every day and even was the dragon in the kindergarten play. With happiness and pride – it showed on my face,

Momma, look at your big boy now.

As the years went by so very fast, I came to know a change at last. Through the door he would fly, to the cupboard with seeking eye. “Mom, I’m hungry – what’s to eat,” floppin’ on the chair and proppin’ his feet.

Did you make your bed and cut the grass? Clean the tub and shine the brass?

Ah, Mom – all the guys are playing ball, and I need the practice to beat ’em all. Cause I’m going too make the team this year and be the tough guy they all fear.

You better do your chores and mind your biz or you’re going to find out who the tough guy is!

“Ah Mom” – and faster than the words were said, up the stairs, he hit the bed. And with a feeling of abuse, I said to myself, what’s the use?

Momma, look at your big boy now!

Then came the drills, in the heat of August steam. “Bye Mom – I’m going to make the team.”

For a .pdf file of this original Coach Bacevich Handout, click here: Handout #332: Momma Look at your Big Boy Now. Coach Bacevich gave binders of his motivational handouts to thousands of people. You should print this original Coach Bacevich Handout together with the others in each weekly post and start your binder of these motivational handouts. Then read and browse the material as you desire. Soon you will have a treasure of information at your fingertips whenever you need a little inspiration and motivation from the Coach as you pursue your aspirations!

Many of Coach Bacevich’s Handouts were written for his football players as the audience. This is an example of good information written for his football players but so very applicable in all of life, sports and otherwise. When you see the phrase “football player” or “athlete”, substitute that phrase with whatever fits your situation, such as Employee, Team Member, Hockey Player, Basketball Player, etc.

We need to think more about earning money and less about making it. – Lewis Wiznitzi

If the blond lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Courage is the mastery of fear, not the absence of fear. – Mark Twain

Be noble in every thought and every deed. – Longfellow

If you ain’t going all the way, why go at all. – Joe Nameth

Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt. – Shakespeare

Small men avoid challenges; Big men meet them. – Kingsley

Reputation may not entertain, but it teaches.

What sets off a champion from his adversaries in any activity is his ability to combine the maximum of concentration with the optimum of relaxation, so that he is fully alert but never tense. – Sidney J. Harris

A successful man is one who has tried, not cried, who has worked, not dogged: who has shouldered responsibility, not evaded it; who has gotten under the burden instead of standing off, looking on and giving advise. – Elbert Hubbard

Nature has everywhere written her protest against idleness; Everything which ceases to struggle, which remains inactive, rapidly deteriorates. It is the struggle toward an ideal, the constant effort to get higher and further, which develops manhood and character. – Alfred A. Montapert

Leadership is action, not position. – Donald McGannon

Make it thy business to know thyself, which is the most difficult lesson in the world. – Miguel DeCervantes

Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.

It is hard to look up to a leader who keeps his ear to the ground. – James H. Boren

Always remember that there is a law of compensation which operates just as infallibly as gravitation, and that victory goes as last where it ought to, and that this is just as true of individuals as of nations. – William Feather

For a .pdf file of this original Coach Bacevich Handout, click here: Handout #330: Quotes Worth Quoting. Coach Bacevich gave binders of his motivational handouts to thousands of people. You should print this original Coach Bacevich Handout together with the others in each weekly post and start your binder of these motivational handouts. Then read and browse the material as you desire. Soon you will have a treasure of information at your fingertips whenever you need a little inspiration and motivation from the Coach as you pursue your aspirations!

Many of Coach Bacevich’s Handouts were written for his football players as the audience. This is an example of good information written for his football players but so very applicable in all of life, sports and otherwise. When you see the phrase “football player” or “athlete”, substitute that phrase with whatever fits your situation, such as Employee, Team Member, Hockey Player, Basketball Player, etc.